Study at PSC

The BTEC Diploma in Information Technology is a two year course, equivalent to 2 A levels. It is designed to support learners who are interested in learning about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in the computing sector. BTEC qualifications should be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

This qualification is designed to support students who want a strong core study of IT and Computing to enable progression to higher education with a focus on the IT and  Computing sector or progression to apprenticeship or roles in industry.

In the first year you will study:

• Information Technology Systems
• Creating Systems to Manage Information
• Using Social Media in Business
• Data Modelling

In your second year you will study:

• IT Project Management
• Cyber Security and Incident Management
• IT Enterprise
• Programming

The BTEC Diploma in IT is in a suite of advanced level vocational qualifications which involve the theoretical and practical study of both computer hardware and software related topics. The course provides specialist knowledge, transferable skills and hands on practical experience in core topics within the Computing & IT sectors. The course has a unit based structure and you will be able to apply the knowledge you gain over a mixture of project-based assessments.  

The course is assessed through a range of relevant industry based scenario set assignments, exams and practical exercises. These will involve a range of tasks allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the topics studied, and have a mixture of internal and external assessments. The Diploma consists of 10 units with a mixture of coursework and examined units.  The course is made up of mandatory content (67%) which is internally assessed and (33%) externally assessed units.

BTEC Nationals in Information Technology are recognised by both higher education establishments and industry.  The courses are suitable for students who have a keen interest in following a career in the wide field of IT and Computing and who may wish to go directly into employment after completing the qualification as well as those who wish to embark on a degree course at university.

When taken alongside another Level 3 qualification such as an A Level, these qualifications provide an opportunity to progress to a degree in a computing discipline or a degree where computing-related skills and knowledge may be advantageous, such as business studies.

This qualification carries the same UCAS points as A Levels and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses.

The course teaching is predominately via the College IT systems and supported by Google Suite. Course  materials are provided via Google Classroom and coursework uses electronic submission, marking and feedback.  There may be some minimal costs for printing.  Course books can be purchased through the college online shop.  There is a Course Student book and two course companions; the IT Revision Guide and Revision Workbook,  published as course companions which students are advised to purchase once you have started your course. 

There are likely to be trips and visits to industry which may incur some expense, but we will endeavour to cover costs where possible.

The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake a 1-week work experience placement, which will enable you to build upon both your employability and interpersonal skills.

Examples of previous work placements that students have undertaken are: The NHS, Microsoft, IBM, Carnival, various Marketing agencies and many more providers across the Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire regions.